mmsarge,
I remember hearing someone sing that song one night, I never did get all the words but what I remember goes like this.

As I went down by Newry Town,
A bunch of lads I saw.
They were the first battalion
Of the men from South Armagh.

CHORUS: With a diddle I ay, etc.

O have you crossed the border lad?
And have you travelled far?
Did you see some soldiers on the road?
Did they have armoured cars? CHORUS

Yes, I have crossed the border, lads.
I have travelled far.
I saw some soldiers on the road.
They were in two armoured cars. CHORUS

"If this be true," the leader cried,
"It's here we'll make our stand."
McSherry (McFerry) gave the order
With a Thompson in his hand. CHORUS

The soldiers came along the road
And into view at last.
A young lad pushed the plunger
And there was a mighty blast. CHORUS

This is all I can remember, I don't even know the chorus, but it was just a bit of lilting as found in a lot of Irish type songs. I am sure there must be a few more verses to the song as well. The leader's name was either McSherry or McFerry or something similar. Hope this jogs someone's memory.

Jimmy